‘The way they are playing their shots is pure bliss’ – Shreyas Iyer heaps praise on prolific Salt-Narine pair

Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. (Photo source: IPL)

Sunil Narine and Phil Salt set up another fantastic win for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, as the former two-time champions defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 98 runs at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, May 5.

The destructive opening pair of Narine and Salt have been in scintillating form this season. Both of them have amassed over 400 runs each and have strike rates of over 183. After KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer lost the toss yet again, KL Rahul invited the visitors to bat first. Narine and Salt got their team off to another blistering start, as they added 61 runs off just 26 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter departed for a quickfire 32 off 14 balls but his fellow opener continued tormenting the Lucknow bowlers. Eventually, the veteran all-rounder departed for an awe-inspiring 81 off 39 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes. On the back of the opening duo’s heroics, KKR posted a total of 235/6, the highest on the ground in the shortest format of the game.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Match 54, Stats Review: Highest IPL total at Lucknow and other stats from LSG vs KKR

After the match, KKR’s rampant opening pair received huge words of praise from Shreyas, as the right-handed batter lauded their positive mindset in every situation.

“They have been splendid for us, the way they are playing their shots is pure bliss. They are setting us up and giving momentum and no matter what the situation is, we are playing with a positive mindset,” said Shreyas at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“A lefty-righty combination makes thing difficult for the opposition, the bowlers have to change their plans and that makes a difference. It’s all about the freedom, to go out and express themselves. We want to go out and be positive whatever the situation is, sometimes it doesn’t work out but sometimes it does,” he added.

In reply, Lucknow had a good 50-run partnership between KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis but after they departed, it was all one-way traffic for the Knight Riders, as they dismissed the home side for just 137. Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana starred with the ball, bagging three wickets apiece.

Also Read: ‘Just a poor performance overall’ – KL Rahul analyses LSG’s crushing defeat to KKR at Ekana

With this win, KKR displaced Rajasthan Royals at the top of the table. After winning their first three games of the season, the Knights lost three out of their next five games. However, they have shown great consistency of late, having won their last three games with consummate ease. Shreyas addressed the topsy-turvy campaign of the Kolkata-based franchise.

“The last six matches in the dressing room there has been havoc, teammates are coming in and asking skip what’s happening! We are losing tosses, but we are winning games… that’s what matters,” Shreyas stated.